As a budding writer I’m told constantly to read more authors in whatever genre I want to write in; my dilemma being I want to write in many of them. Mostly, I read non-fiction for references, but that’s neither here nor there.
In trying to get serious about this writing shit, I sometimes explore the publishing side of things and frankly, it’s overwhelming. But looking to the indie scene, which is all but exploding right now, I find a bit of hope. So I find myself contrasting the two and it got me wondering what people prefer to read.
I've yet to actually explore any indie authors, but I do like the punk rock feel it has. The “fuck your scene, this is my art, take it or fuck off” attitude (or maybe “here’s this thing I did, hope you like it?). I like the idea that I’m getting an author’s words and ideas conveyed in the way they want them conveyed. And I like that I’m not forced into watching a different version of the same hero/heroine match wits with the same villain/monstrous lover over and over again. Not to mention the pay that goes to the author rather than everyone else.
But at the same time, there’s comfort in knowing that a book has been edited to read well. Let’s face it: not all writers are great at conveying their ideas and need editors to help them become readable. I know indie authors can pay to have their stories edited, but there’s still a little extra comfort in knowing it’s been edited if put out by an established publisher.
It seems for authors, there are more pros than cons with regard to self-publishing, especially with the new ease of e-publishing. But from a reader’s POV, I don't yet; because, like I said, I haven't really explored the indie scene.
So what do you people prefer? Or do you even consider the option?
Also, any suggestions?
In trying to get serious about this writing shit, I sometimes explore the publishing side of things and frankly, it’s overwhelming. But looking to the indie scene, which is all but exploding right now, I find a bit of hope. So I find myself contrasting the two and it got me wondering what people prefer to read.
I've yet to actually explore any indie authors, but I do like the punk rock feel it has. The “fuck your scene, this is my art, take it or fuck off” attitude (or maybe “here’s this thing I did, hope you like it?). I like the idea that I’m getting an author’s words and ideas conveyed in the way they want them conveyed. And I like that I’m not forced into watching a different version of the same hero/heroine match wits with the same villain/monstrous lover over and over again. Not to mention the pay that goes to the author rather than everyone else.
But at the same time, there’s comfort in knowing that a book has been edited to read well. Let’s face it: not all writers are great at conveying their ideas and need editors to help them become readable. I know indie authors can pay to have their stories edited, but there’s still a little extra comfort in knowing it’s been edited if put out by an established publisher.
It seems for authors, there are more pros than cons with regard to self-publishing, especially with the new ease of e-publishing. But from a reader’s POV, I don't yet; because, like I said, I haven't really explored the indie scene.
So what do you people prefer? Or do you even consider the option?
Also, any suggestions?
At any given moment I have 50+ books active on my kindle and 40+ physical books on my book shelf. Mostly it depends on the author. Once I find an author I like, I do everything I can to read the rest of their works.
